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F1 2016 was arguably one of the best racing games of last year and already Codemasters are preparing to leverage that goodwill by announcing a new trailer, release date as well as information on some incoming new features.
For starters, the game will include the return of classic F1 cars to the series, as well as "an even deeper career mode, numerous multiplayer enhancements, and a brand new ‘Championships’ game mode."
Codemasters say that F1 2017 will release onto PS4, Xbox One and PC on August 25th 2017.
To mark the announcement, Codemasters also released the first trailer for the game, showcasing three of the historic F1 cars that will feature in the game.
The 1988 McLaren MP4/4 as driven by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, the 1992 Williams FW14B that was raced by Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese and the 2002 Ferrari F2002 of Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher.
“After an extremely successful year with the highly acclaimed F1 2016, we are delighted to be announcing F1 2017 and re-introducing classic F1 cars back to the series” said Paul Jeal, Game Director at Codemasters.
“Classics were incredibly well received when we included them in F1 2013, and in F1 2017 they are back and better than ever," contined Jeal.
"With so many great cars to choose from, it was hard to decide on the final twelve, but we are delighted with our selection of some of the most successful and iconic fan favourites from the past 30 years.”
Fans can also expect to see more classic cars revealed in the coming weeks on top of the three shown in the first trailer.
“For the first time ever F1 2017 fully integrates the classic experience into the main career mode,” added Lee Mather, Creative Director at Codemasters.
“As part of your, career you will be invited to race in modern day, invitational events in the different classic F1 cars throughout the season.
"We’re also adding to the variety in F1 2017 with the inclusion of four alternative circuit layouts, as well as numerous new gameplay types.
"The classic cars will also be available to play in a range of other game modes, including online multiplayer modes and time trial.”
According to the Codemasters blog, there's another special treat lined up for fans as well.
Should you decide you can't wait to play the game and your willing to drop the cash on a pre-order now or purchase the ‘Day One’ copies of F1 2017, you’ll have exclusive access to the iconic 1988 McLaren MP4/4, as part of the ‘F1 2017 Special Edition.’
"The McLaren MP4/4 car will be available to be purchased at a later date, and the eleven other classic cars are available in all editions of the game."


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Galactrix has finally come out of the shadows with some limited details of the game being shown at the Game Developer's Conference 2008. The game, which now boasts the Puzzle Quest moniker to become Puzzle Quest: Galactrix, is going to be similar to surprise hit Puzzle Quest, but the game will now be played on a hexagonal board in a sci-fi setting. Also, the state of gravity in the game (blocks falling to the bottom of the board) has been revamped to expand on the sci-fi theme and gravity will come in different directions, meaning that the blocks may not necessarily fall downwards like in the original Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. No confirmed release date has been given but the game has been announced for the DS, PC and XBox360.
Saturday, 23 February 2008
The PS2 RPG that I never thought was coming to Europe got a solidified release date of the 14th March 2008 this week. The official European website has also been spruced up with new information about the characters, story and the world of Odin Sphere. The wait is almost over...

domain: news


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Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon Widens Stride for Environmental Management by Recycling Samdasoo Bottles to Make Bags
SEOUL--(Korea Newswire) April 26, 2020 -- Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, who has been emphasizing eco-friendly management, kick-started a resource circulation project.
Hyosung TNC (KRX:298020) embarked on the ‘Restoration to be Reborn,’ an eco-friendly project to increase the recycling of PET bottles. On the 13th, it signed a business agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Jeju Special Self-governing Province, Jeju Province Development Co., and Pleats Mama.
The ‘Restoration to be Reborn’ project is aimed at establishing a resource circulation system in Jeju. As the first stage of the project, an operation to recycle waste PET bottles across Jeju Island has been started.
This eco-friendly project is led by Chairman Cho Hyun-joon. Chairman Cho has been placing an emphasis on the establishment of a sustainable management system for communication with customers and social value creation. He focuses particularly on expanding eco-friendly businesses including that for the recyclable and low-carbon materials.
Jeju Province Development Co., which produces and distributes bottled water, Samdasoo, collects discarded Samdasoo PET bottles in Jeju Island for recycling. And HYOSUNG TNC makes regen®jeju, a recycled fiber, using polyester chips created by recycling the PET bottles. regen® is an eco-friendly recycled polyester fiber brand developed by HYOSUNG in 2008 as the first in Korea. Last year, HYOSUNG TNC created eco-friendly bags using regen® with Pleats Mama, an eco-friendly fashion startup. With a practical design, these bags created a sensation among school moms in Seoul Gangnam area.
Pleats Mama bags are made in the eco-friendly knitting method. This technique does not generate waste or leftover pieces of fabric because it does not involve the process to cut out and sew up pieces of fabric.
Pleats Mama is scheduled to launch new bags made with the recycled regen®jeju fiber. Through this project, Pleats Mama created new designs only for regen®jeju. Expectations are growing in the market for the new product. The new bag will be unveiled at the Environment Day ceremony on June 5.
Hyosung (KRX:004800) anticipates that this project will not only produce an effect to substitute the recyclable plastic import, but also increase the use of recyclable items, such as PET bottles, across the country.
This is a news release distributed by Korea Newswire on behalf of this company. Learn more


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TOKYO (Reuters) – Panasonic Corp said it would acquire smaller rival Sanyo Electric Co, creating Japan’s top electronics maker and foreshadowing further consolidation in an industry hit by slowing consumer demand.
The acquisition, which one analyst estimated could cost about $8.8 billion, would fortify Panasonic’s competitiveness in rechargeable batteries and solar power equipment as demand grows for greener energy sources.
Panasonic would at the same time become the world’s second-largest conglomerate with a major electronics division, behind General Electric and surpassing Hitachi Ltd as the biggest electronics maker in Japan.
But the deal carries risks and Panasonic has not said what it might pay for Sanyo, or what it plans to do with the latter’s loss-making businesses such as home appliances and microchips.
"Strategically (the deal) makes sense, though it doesn’t necessarily make sense for Panasonic to take on every single bit of Sanyo Electric," said Hannah Cunliffe, fund manager at Germany’s Union Investment, which holds Panasonic shares. "There has to be some relatively aggressive restructuring."
The announcement was well flagged and sources told Reuters last weekend that Sanyo and Panasonic, which sits on $10 billion in cash, had agreed in principle to a deal.
Panasonic, the world’s top plasma TV maker formerly known as Matsushita Electric, wants Sanyo because of its leading position in rechargeable batteries, which are widely used in mobile phones, PCs, music players and increasingly to power cars.
Sanyo supplies nickel metal hydride batteries to Ford Motor Co and Honda Motor Co Ltd and develops lithium-ion batteries for cars with Volkswagen AG, while Panasonic runs a car battery venture with Toyota Motor Corp.
The deal would also enable Panasonic to enter the solar market. Sanyo is the world’s seventh-largest solar cell maker, trailing Germany’s Q-Cells, Japan’s Sharp Corp and Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd of China.
"Adverse business conditions are making it difficult for us to achieve the kind of growth we have been striving for," Panasonic President Fumio Ohtsubo told a news conference. "We need a new growth engine within our group."
Panasonic was founded 90 years ago by Konosuke Matsushita. Sanyo was formed soon after World War 2 when Toshio Iue, his brother-in-law and right-hand man in the early days of Matsushita, broke off on his own.
But their shared history does not guarantee they will make a good fit or that Panasonic won’t overpay at a time when an economic slowdown is hitting demand for cars and the falling oil price clouds the prospects for solar power.
Toyota shocked investors on Thursday by warning that its profits would fall to a 13-year low.
"Given the poor performance of car makers and tumbling crude oil prices, it could be a while before the development of ecologically friendly cars and growing use of solar panels will drive its earnings," said Mizuho Asset Management fund manager Yoshihisa Okamoto.
To win Sanyo, Panasonic will have to buy out its top three shareholders, Daiwa Securities SMBC, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Co and Goldman Sachs, which bailed out the company in 2006.
The three banks hold nearly 430 million preferred shares, each of which can be exchanged for 10 common shares when a restriction is lifted in March. If converted they would hold a combined 70 percent stake.
Credit Suisse analyst Koya Tabata earlier this week said Panasonic could offer up to 140 yen per Sanyo share, valuing the company at 862 billion yen ($8.8 billion) assuming the preferred stock is converted, a 40 percent premium to its enterprise value. The price negotiations could hinge in large part on how much restructuring is factored in.
The deal, which sparked a rally in Panasonic and Sanyo shares earlier in the week, could trigger another round of consolidation in the overcrowded sector, analysts said.
"It’s been said that Japan has too many electronics makers and if moves like this were to gain momentum, that would be positive for stock prices," said Soichiro Monji, chief strategist at Daiwa SB Investments.
Prior to the announcement, shares in Panasonic closed down 3.8 percent at 1,528 yen, while Sanyo fell 0.5 percent to 203 yen. The Nikkei average was down 3.6 percent.
(Additional reporting by Sachi Izumi, Elaine Lies and Aiko Hayashi; Editing by Chris Gallagher and David Holmes)


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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea will seek cooperation with the European Union over the US Inflation Reduction Act that excludes electric vehicles (EVs) assembled outside of North America from tax credits in the United States, the country’s industry ministry said on Thursday, August 25.
US President Joe Biden signed into law on August 16 a $430-billion bill which, among other measures, ends tax credits for about 70% of the 72 EV models that were previously eligible.
As a result, EVs sold by Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, Germany’s Porsche Automobil Holding SE, and others are no longer eligible for the tax credits.
“South Korea and Germany, which export EVs to the United States, share similar concerns about the US Inflation Reduction Act, and we plan to seek cooperative plans such as having discussions with Germany and the European Union in the near future,” the industry ministry said in a statement.
The new rules that go into effect next year also require at least 40% of the monetary value of critical minerals for batteries be from the United States or an American free-trade partner. The proportion will gradually rise to 80% in 2027.
The industry ministry added that the country’s auto industry group, the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), is also pursuing a plan to issue a joint statement in September over the matter with the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
KAMA said on Thursday that the US Inflation Reduction Act could impact export of 100,000 EVs annually, as EVs assembled in South Korea will not be eligible for $7,500 EV tax subsidies in the United States.
KAMA added that discrimination against South Korea-made EVs over EV tax benefits violates the spirit of an economic and security alliance between South Korea and the United States, after Hyundai Motor and Samsung Electronics Company Ltd announced US investment plans totaling over $27 billion.
In response to the new law, Hyundai Motor could bring forward the start date for construction of its EV and battery plant in the US state of Georgia to as early as this year.
South Korea will review whether to file a complaint at the World Trade Organization over the US Inflation Reduction Act, citing concern that the law could violate WTO rules and a bilateral free trade deal between South Korea and the United States, Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang told a parliamentary session on Monday, August 22. – Rappler.com


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PARIS – With a record of 41 French films shown in Toronto, Gallic cinema will be the most present among foreign language films at the festival. Meanwhile, Luc Besson’s blockbuster “Lucy” is sure to boost this year’s French film export figures, with $ 218 million in worldwide revenue so far. But in reality, films in French jargon struggle to access cinema screens, pushing local sales agents to seize different and non-traditional opportunities.
This has certainly been the case in recent cinema markets, where sales agents are increasingly making deals with certain digital platforms that open up to European arthouse prices. And while full rights deals prove more difficult to strike, French films are becoming a favorite material for foreign language remakes in markets with strong local film industries. That’s life.
“Foreign language remakes are becoming increasingly popular in markets like South Korea, India, Argentina and Brazil, which are dominated by local films and Hollywood films, and where, as a result, non-English speaking films have a hard time reaching audiences, “said Yohann Comte, deputy sales manager at Gaumont, which has five films showing in Toronto, including” The Connection “with Jean Dujardin and Eric Toledano and” Samba “by Olivier Nakache.
“In these territories, production costs are lower than in France, so it makes more sense for a producer or distributor to buy remake rights rather than paying a minimum guarantee for distribution rights,” adds Comte, who sold the remake rights to “The Untouchables” to Indians Guneet Monga and Karan Johar, among other pacts, earlier this year.
At EuropaCorp and Studiocanal, the respective sales managers Marie-Laure Montironi and Anna Marsh also cite China, South Korea and India as the leaders of this foreign language remake trend.
Italy is another territory where French film remakes flourish, according to Isabelle Giordano, general manager of the Gallic film promotion organization. The success of “Benvenuti al sud”, the cover of Dany Boon’s hit soundtrack “Welcome to the Sticks”, which topped the Italian box office in 2010, is a big boost behind this trend in Italy.
Other Italian remakes in the works cited by Giordano include “Serial (Bad) Weddings”, this year’s hit comedy which sold over 12 million tickets, and “What’s in the Name”, sold by Pathé.
“Serial (bad) marriages” have also been offered as an option in Israel.
Billed as a Gallic version of “Project X”, “Babysitting”, sold by Other Angle, is another high profile French comedy that was a hit in France and has sparked remake interest.
As with makeovers, VOD deals are more and more frequent but remain mostly focused on local box office hits, films with an identifiable director, or a genre or action film.
Indeed, the United States is still ahead of the digital curve thanks to players like IFC, Magnolia, Lionsgate Roadside Attractions and TWC / Radius. And even if foreign language films do not yet yield significant profits in VOD, this does not prevent digital platforms from opening up to European prices, as long as they meet the criteria. TWC / Radius, for example, pre-purchased the Danish werewolf film “When Animals Dream” in Berlin, ahead of its world premiere at Cannes Critics’ Week, and paid significant market guarantees for it. ‘to acquire.
VOD is also a new option for French arthouse toonpics, since so few distributors, apart from GKids, pick them up. EuropaCorp, for example, sold “A Monster in Paris” and “The Boy with a Cuckoo Heart” to Shout Factory.
“The deals we made with Shout Factory included minimum guarantees and royalties and we’ve already made money with ‘A Monster in Paris’,” says Montironi.
Daily encounters are also gaining traction outside the United States, according to Marsh. “There appears to be an increased appetite for date and date content with more and more players using this method as a means of marketing foreign films with minimal risk,” said the executive, whose list of Toronto offers high end photos such as “A Bigger Splash” and “We Are Your Friends”.
Marsh says that VOD offers become more lucrative “because we have a better understanding of the business model and are able to fine-tune the terms of the offers accordingly.” However Camille Neel, sales manager at Le Pacte, which peddles the Cannes entries “Timbuktu” and “Salt of the Earth”, affirms: “Author films do not always bring in mg and have so far never reached high levels.
“In China, however, where reaching theaters can be difficult, VOD could represent a viable alternative to cinema and DVD for arthouse films,” adds Neel, citing the acquisition of participation in the film. Cannes competition “Timbuktu” by Lemon Tree Media.
As Europe produces around 900 films per year, VOD is an avenue for these films which do not have access to the traditional distribution circuit, explains Alexis Derendinger, co-founder of Under the Milky Way, an American aggregator of European films. which releases them on multi-territory platforms.
Derendinger points out that VOD deals can be more attractive than full rights deals for small European arthouse films. “Sales agents get frustrated when they get minimum guarantees between $ 5,000 and $ 10,000 and have their rights blocked for 10 years.”
Derendinger adds, “When salespeople deal with us, they pay between $ 1,000 and $ 1,500 to encode their movies and in 90% of cases, VOD sales, which can range between $ 1,000 and $ 30,000, cover that expense. . Over the past four years, prices have increased, slowly but steadily, he says.
As for the fate of French films abroad, Giordano points the finger at the new generation of local producers such as Charles Gillibert (“Eden”), Clément Miserez (“Belle et Sébastien”), Dimitri Rassam (“Paradise lost”) and Mathias Rubin (“Mobius”) who deliver films for the French and international market.


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When Chipper Cash, an African cross-border payment company, raised $100 million Series C funding in May this year, the CEO, Ham Serunjogi, without declaring the startup’s current valuation said the company is the most valuable startup in Africa. That sparked a lot of mixed reactions in the ecosystem.
Five months later, it looks like Serunjogi’s claim might not have been far from the truth as today, Chipper Cash announced the extension of its series C and raised $150 million at a valuation little over $2 billion. The investment was led by FTX, the most valuable crypto derivatives exchange company owned by the youngest billionaire in the world, Sam Bankman-Fried.
With a valuation of over $2 billion, Chipper Cash has now attained a unicorn status. It joins the ranks of Nigeria’s Interswitch, Flutterwave and Opay, Egypt’s Fawry, Pan-African Andela, and Senegal’s Wave, as the seventh African unicorn.
Founded by Serunjogi and Maijid Moujaled in 2018 to offer free cross-border payment service in Africa via a mobile app, Chipper Cash operates in seven African countries — Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa and Kenya. In May, after the initial $100 million series C round, the company expanded into the UK to power UK to Africa peer-to-peer remittance.
Last month, the startup also entered the competitive U.S market and it’s reported to have started the U.S to Africa remittance in Nigeria and Uganda, with more countries to be added soon. The company also plans to start Africa to U.S remittance in South Africa, Uganda and Ghana next year.
Earlier this year, Chipper Cash forayed into social payments by partnering with Twitter to offer payment for the social media platform’s Tip Jar feature for African users. The Tip Jar feature was launched early this year to allow Twitter users receive money “tip” directly on the platform.
Chipper Cash is FTX’s first investment in Africa. A move that hints that FTX is impressed by how Chipper Cash has been able to scale in the space of three years and its interest in the crypto space. Chipper Cash boasts of having over 4 million users across the world.
The investment will see FTX partner with Chipper Cash to make money transfer as simple as a text message and accelerate the adoption of crypto within Africa and beyond.
“Despite the recent growth in Africa, moving money across the continent is still slow and expensive. Unsurprisingly it is the fastest growing market with grassroots crypto adoption,” Bankman-Fried, FTX CEO, told TechCrunch.
As a result of this partnership, FTX will increase its footprint in Africa and Chipper Cash will be integrated into the FTX product so that African users can fund their crypto wallet through Chipper Cash.
“That’s going to be a compelling use case for both of our companies as we keep scaling and as FTX keeps scaling their geographical coverage. They do some of the most innovative work in the crypto space, so working with them is going to be quite exciting,” Serunjogi said.


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Brachers sponsors Kent Excellence in Business Awards for fourth successive year
Brachers is proud to sponsor the Best Land Based Business in Kent for the fourth successive year, as part of the Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBA).
Now in their eighth year, the KEiBAs – which are jointly organised by the KM Media Group and Kent County Council - have been described as one of the county’s premier business awards. Every year KEiBA showcases the strongest, most vibrant businesses and business people from across Kent.
This year’s launch at Port Lympne Hotel was attended by over 150 representatives from businesses hoping to be in the running for a coveted award as well as from organisations on the judging panels.
Joanna Worby, Managing Partner said: “KEiBA recognises talent and rewards the excellence of our businesses in Kent. We are excited to be a part of this again this year. The quality of land based businesses in Kent and the impact they have on our rural community is to be applauded. We are delighted KEiBA is recognising a sector we are proud to represent.”
The KEiBAs are free to enter; to find out more please visit www.keiba.co.uk. The awards ceremony will be held at the Kent Showground in Detling on Thursday 23 June.
Brachers staff donate Christmas gifts for children Read more
Brachers return as headline sponsor for Leeds Castle Classical Concert 40th anniversary Read more
Kent businesses race against the clock to get ready for GDPR Read more
Focus on GDPR for Kent businesses Read more
Brachers signs up to global legal referral networks Read more
Voting opens for the Kent Tourism Awards Read more


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It is the first time a UK authority has indicated it could look into instances where influencers buy fake followers to inflate their perceived audience, and comes in the wake of the advertising regulator releasing new guidelines on influencer marketing.
The practice can potentially deceive marketers and agency partners who consider the size of an influencer’s reach when choosing talent for campaigns, even though experts warn influencers are not a cost-effective reach platform.
At a recent PRWeek Breakfast Briefing, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) director of consumer law Jason Freeman told a room full of marketers and agency professionals the watchdog could start looking into audience fakery.
"Going back to our definition of commercial practice, I wouldn’t rule out that we might seek to look at those sorts of false claims," Freeman said.
"We haven’t done so yet and we don’t have a public opinion on it, but if we can see that a commercial practice is influencing consumer behaviour or, in some circumstances, misleading other businesses, then we have the power to take enforcement action and might choose to do so."
A recent PRWeek investigation found a lack of oversight and regulation to monitor and take enforcement action against fraudulent followers, which US agency Mediakix estimate claims cost up to $100m (£73m) a year.
PRCA director general Francis Ingham has called on regulators, including the CMA and Advertising Standards Authority, to produce meaningful guidance on the issue.
Emma Smith: 'The advice we give to everyone is put ‘ad’ in it somewhere'
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which sets rules around advertising practices and ethics, looks into influencer posts that fall under its definition of 'ad', but not how these posts are distributed, or to whom.
Remarkably, influencer posts now take up more of the ASA’s time than any other form of advertising.
Emma Smith, the operations manager of copy advice at the Committee of Advertising Practice, which writes the rules that the ASA enforces, said only under extremely rare circumstances could the regulator look at audience claims.
"That isn’t ad that we can apply rules to so we wouldn’t deal with that aspect directly," she said.
"I think if an influencer was posting and boasting about how many followers they had with an intention to get people to place ads with them, then that post could potentially be an ad. In this case the ASA probably would investigate whether those followers were real."
Smith said new guidelines released by the ASA provide clarity around what influencer posts are considered an ad and the disclosures influencers should make when promoting brands, products and services.
"We apply a two-stage test to influencer marketing," she explained. "Was the influencer paid in some way, which can be money or free gifts or free entry to an event, any form of incentive?
"We then look at whether the brand had control over that content. That control can be anything from asking if they include a specific hashtag through to final approval over a campaign."
The right disclosure
When any level of control is taken away from an influencer, the post can be investigated by the ASA and it needs to be clear to a consumer that it is an advertisement. This doesn’t mean such posts have to use a hashtag (such as #ad), but the ASA recommends it.
"It just happens to be one of the easiest ways to disclose is to put the word ‘ad’ in it prominently. The advice we give to everyone is put ‘ad’ in it somewhere," Smith added.
However, not all transparency hashtags are welcome. Smith said using #spon and #gifted
"Using ‘spon’ isn’t something the ASA like because it doesn’t make clear the brand had control of that content. They wouldn’t like ‘gifted’ either for the same reason."
The CMA takes a broader view on transparency and will not only look at whether the nature of a commercial agreement is clear, but whether an influencer is putting forward an honest opinion.
"One of the things that influencers perhams might struggle is making qualitative claims about a product that they have tried," he said. "For example, we would have someone claiming they have used a certain shampoo and they haven’t."
Freeman accepts that it can be difficult to police an influencer’s honesty. Marketers would argue the same is true of fake followers if authorities aren’t willing to try, but that might now be about to change.


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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Hurricane Dorian is forecast to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane and if you aren’t prepared, we have compiled a list and breakdown of how much a hurricane kit could cost you.
“Having worked through several hurricanes with Home Depot…it’s an absolute madhouse down here,” said Lee Forbes, assistant store manager of Home Depot in St. Petersburg.
8 On Your Side went to Home Depot and shopped for items recommended to assemble a proper hurricane kit. We used the ‘Emergency Kit Essential’ list compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Home Depot had most of the items on the agency’s list, including water, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered/hand-crank radio, a first aid kit and tools as well as sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Ultimately, the grand total for our hurricane kit came to $179.41.
Here is the full list of items FEMA recommends to build a hurricane kit:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
- Extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
- Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
- Cell phone with charger.
- Family and emergency contact information.
- Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
- Extra fuel for generator and car.
Forbes also recommends making a post-hurricane kit.
“The second kit is stuff you are going to need after the storm has blown through,” said Forbes.
Forbes suggestions for a post-hurricane kit:
- Duct tape
- Work gloves
- Work glasses
- Furring strips and nails
- Plywood for boarding up windows
- A generator
- Extra fuel
8 On Your Side priced the cost for the duct tape, work glasses and gloves and tarp. Our total came to $104.19.
MORE HURRICANE COVERAGE:
- Key West ends hurricane seasons by burning warning flags
- Tracking the Tropics: Record-breaking 2020 hurricane season drawing to a close
- Tracking the Tropics: 2 areas being monitored in Atlantic basin as end of hurricane season nears
- Tracking the Tropics: Iota weakens to depression over El Salvador
- Tracking the Tropics: Hurricane Iota roars onto Nicaragua as 2nd blow in 2 weeks


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Mobile Attacks More Vicious Than Ever
Published on: 4th Nov 2015
Note -- this news article is more than a year old.
As mobile devices become more deeply woven into the fabric of our personal and work lives, cyber criminals are taking increasingly vicious and disturbingly personal shots at us, according to Blue Coat Systems.
Cyber blackmail (mobile ransomware attacks) leads the way as a top malware type in 2015, along with the stealthy insertion of spyware on devices that allows attackers to profile behavior and online habits. The new Blue Coat report, available here, describes the latest trends and vulnerabilities in mobile malware, provides advice for strengthening corporate defenses and educating mobile device users, and offers predictions about the future of mobile threats.
"As we sleep, exercise, work and shop with our mobile devices, cyber criminals are waiting to take advantage of the data these devices collect, as evidenced by the types of malware and attacks we're seeing," said Dr. Hugh Thompson, CTO and senior vice president, Blue Coat.
"The implications of this nefarious activity certainly carry over to corporate IT as organizations rapidly adopt cloud-based, mobile versions of enterprise applications, opening up another avenue for attackers. A holistic and strategic approach to managing risk must extend the perimeter to mobile and cloud environments -- based on a realistic, accurate look at the problem -- and deploy advanced protections that can prioritize and remediate sophisticated, emerging and unknown threats."
Summary of Findings:
- Pornography returned as the number one threat vector after dropping to number two last year.
- The three top types of malware in this year's report are Ransomware, Potentially Unwanted Software (PUS), and Information Leakage.
- The mobile threat landscape is becoming more active.


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Albertsons, Tom Thumb Closing 4 North Texas StoresThe stores are located in Fort Worth, DeSoto, Flower Mound and Coppell. They are set to close around December 1.
Kroger To Start Selling Products Directly To Chinese ShoppersKroger will start to sell some of its products to Chinese shoppers through a website owned by internet giant Alibaba.
Nestle Takes Over Sales Of Starbucks In Grocery AislesNestle is paying more than $7 billion to handle retail sales of Starbucks's coffee and tea outside of its coffee shops.
Texas-Based Fiesta Mart To Be Bought By El SuperThe Texas-based Fiesta Mart chain is being acquired by a California grocer to create what's being billed as one of the largest Hispanic-focused supermarket companies.
McDonald's To Bring Bottled McCafe Drinks To Store ShelvesMcDonald's said that it will soon sell some of its McCafe drinks in bottles at supermarkets and other stores, catching up with coffee rivals Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts.
Amazon To Cut Prices On Whole Foods ItemsAmazon plans to use its deep pockets to make big changes at Whole Foods, saying that it will cut prices on bananas, eggs, salmon, beef and more when it completes its $13.7 billion takeover next week.
Aldi To Offer Grocery Delivery Service In DallasAldi said that it will offer grocery delivery for the first time in three American cities, including Dallas, by the end of the month. The grocer has partnered with Instacart for the service.
German Grocer Aldi Plans U.S. ExpansionLow-cost grocery chain Aldi said it plans to add more stores in the U.S. over the next five years, meaning more competition for traditional grocers, Walmart and organics-focused chains like Whole Foods.
New USDA Food Label Guidelines Aim To Prevent Food WasteThis past week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released food labeling guidelines aimed at reducing the amount of good food that gets thrown out because people think it has gone bad.
Tom Thumb & Albertsons Delivery Trucks Roll Out For The 1st TimeTwo more grocery store chains are offering home delivery in North Texas. For the first time today trucks rolled delivering food from Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores.
Dallas Residents & Businesses Prepare For New Plastic Bag FeeIn a little less than a month a new plastic bag fee will go into effect in Dallas. Customers will have to pay a nickel a bag unless they take their own boxes or bags to stores.
How To Save Money On A Trip To EuropeWith a little bit of planning, a trip to Europe can be surprisingly affordable.
Icy Roads Stall DFW Grocery DeliveriesThe ice storm that brought many motorists to a complete standstill over this past weekend is having a similar effect on deliveries at North Texas grocery stores.
Home, Grocery Stores Draw Crowds Before StormA day ago, North Texans were walking around in short sleeves and shorts. Now, they are prepping for a storm that could drop significant ice across much of the area.
'Salvage' Grocery Stores Offer Wall-To-Wall DiscountsThere's an easy, instant way to cut your grocery bill by half, but it's not without a catch. They are called "salvage" grocery stores specializing in items other stores no longer want -- dented cans, items near the expiration date or even just overbuys.


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TWICE Staff On Sep 13 2013 - 12:34pm
Chicago – GIV Mobile is donating 8 percent of its monthly “Unlimited Everything” plans to a non-profit charity of the customer’s choice.
By Joseph Palenchar On Sep 13 2013 - 9:53am
San Diego – Sony is segmenting the tablet market with the launch of the Xperia Tablet Z: Kitchen Edition at a suggested $649.
Sony is taking its water-resistant
By Doug Olenick On Sep 12 2013 - 12:14pm
Framingham, Mass. – Stockings will be stuffed with tablets this Christmas, according to IDC.
The research firm expects tablet shipments to surpass the combined
By Joseph Palenchar On Sep 12 2013 - 12:12pm
Warren, N.J. – Virgin Mobile, the no-contract wireless provider, expanded its 4G LTE smartphone selection to five models with the launch of the ZTE-made Supreme
By Doug Olenick On Sep 11 2013 - 11:23am
Somerville, Mass. — 3D printer maker Mebotics announced today a lower-cost version of its Microfactory printer.
Mebotics said the new version was developed in
By Joseph Palenchar On Sep 11 2013 - 8:17am
El Segundo, Calif. – Apple’s lower cost iPhone 5c won’t spur a major increase in iPhone sales in the second half of 2013, but if Apple begins selling
By Joseph Palenchar On Sep 10 2013 - 1:47pm
Cupertino, Calif. — Apple introduced two iPhones for the first time since the original iPhone’s 2007 launch, unveiling a flagship 5S and a lower-priced 5C
By Joseph Palenchar On Sep 10 2013 - 7:43am
Bellevue, Wash. — The first cellular-equipped version of the new Google Nexus7 tablet became available with activation on the T-Mobile network through the Google
By Lisa Johnston On Sep 10 2013 - 7:41am
Wayne, N.J. — Toys“R”Us officially unveiled the second-generation Tabeo kids tablet, known as the Tabeo E2.
The 8-inch tablet comes preloaded with 30
By Doug Olenick On Sep 9 2013 - 2:49pm
New York – With an eye toward enabling the creation of lower-priced tablets, Seagate today rolled out a 500GB ultra-thin hard disk drive.
Seagate also reported


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“Whether you believe there is a public overreaction or that COVID-19 is actually a public health crisis headed for pandemic status, there is no denying the expected negative impact it will have on the economy and auto industry, said Jeff Schuster, President, Global Vehicle Forecasts at LMC. “Volatility will remain with us until there is evidence of containment globally and the lasting effect could spill into 2021. The US outbreak remains at an early stage of development, so additional challenges for the industry, including supply chain issues, could push the market further into negative territory.”
Executive Summary: The rapid international spread of coronavirus COVID-19 outside China is adding another layer of stress to the global automotive market, following the outlook already turning negative as the virus crippled vehicle demand in China in February.
The economic outlook is wavering, with the risk of a global recession somewhat higher than a matter of weeks ago. Global economic growth in 2020 is now expected to be at 2.0%, down from the early 2020 forecast of 2.5%.
The COVID-19 outbreak is causing unprecedented distress across multiple markets. Given the increasing threat and expected disruptions, global Light Vehicle sales are now expected to contract by 4.4% from 90.3 million units in 2019 to 86.4 million units in 2020, the lowest level since 2013. A moderate pandemic could worsen the outlook by another 2-3 million units globally for 2020.
The risk could be further magnified by supply chain disruptions that have yet to fully emerge. At a minimum, there will be higher logistics costs if air freight is used to mitigate manufacturing downtime.
We are still in the early stages of understanding the full impact but expect it to get worse before it gets better. We continue to monitor the situation in real-time as further downward risk remains high,” said Jonathon Poskitt, Director Global Sales Forecasts at LMC.
Revisions of Key Markets
- China Light Vehicle sales have already been heavily impacted, and it remains the most affected market, making up half of the global volume reduction. Our latest assumption for 2020 is for a decline of 7% from 2019, to 23.7 million units. China does appear to be working past the worst of the outbreak, as the country begins to restart operations and return to normal, a process that is expected to take a few months at a minimum. This process also carries some risk of restarting outbreaks.
- Other important markets in the Asia-Pacific region have seen forecasts reduced, including South Korea, given the scale of outbreak and quarantine measures. Sales in Asia-Pacific, less China, have been cut by nearly 600,000 units, to 15.0 million units, and are projected to contract 4% for 2020.
- Western Europe is expected to experience growing disruption from the outbreak, with Italy placed in lockdown and containment efforts likely to expand elsewhere, potentially spreading to Eastern Europe. Volume in Pan-Europe has been cut by 600,000 units to 20.5 million units, a decline of 4% from 2019.
- Iran had already been facing significant economic challenges, but the outlook has been clouded further by the outbreak. We have reduced vehicle sales by an additional 200,000 units to 686,000 units.
- Risk in the US makes up most of the pullback in expectations across North America. We have cut the US forecast by nearly 300,000 units to 16.5 million units, a decline of 3% from 2019, making three of the last four years negative.
LMC Automotive is a leading independent and exclusively automotive focused provider of global forecasting and market intelligence in the areas of vehicle sales, production, powertrains and electrification. The company’s client base from around the globe includes car and truck makers, component manufacturers and suppliers, financial, logistics and government institutions. LMC Automotive is part of the LMC group. LMC is the world’s leading economic and business consultancy for the agribusiness sector. For more information about LMC Automotive, visit www.lmc-auto.com.


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iTWire: Mobile upgrade cycles getting much longerJuly 4, 2016 | By Fluent
Publication date 7/4/2016
Attempts by smartphone makers to shorten or hasten the replacement cycle have failed. Instead, they are getting longer, and in a saturated market that spells financial woe.
Advertising and marketing technology company Fluent conducted a survey of US smartphone users, and it has revealed major changes in ownership patterns.
It found around 30% upgrade every two years due to contracts. But the trend (at least in the US telco space) is away from “contract bundles” due to the realisation that consumers are paying not only the full price of the phone but considerable “interest” for the use-now-pay-as-you-go programmes. Cross-subsidy of call revenue and handset prices has almost stopped.
A startling 42% said they would now wait until the system breaks — which is estimated to take four to six years — and would entertain the interim cost of a battery replacement if it extended the useable life of the handset.
iPhone owners were a slightly different lot. First some back story. The iPhone 6/Plus with iOS8 was a massive technology leap including larger screens and more memory. It did very well. Analysts call that a “tick” year where Apple releases something new and even more desirable, causing queues at its stores.
But the iPhone 6S/Plus were more of the same: a “tock” year. That did not drive sales as its predecessor did. Rumours are that the iPhone 7 will be more of the same, perhaps with beefed up features in iOS 10, and these do not require more than an iPhone SE or 6/S to run. It won’t drive sales.
A total of 49% of Apple users said they would probably get a new phone next year. The caveat is “if the iPhone 7 excites them.” These are likely those still using a 4/5 series or coming out of contract on a 6. As Fluent puts it “Apple: A strong core, but still seeking the wow of yesteryear.”
Gallup (a professional polling company) found in May 2015 that 54% of users would wait until their phone stops working or becomes totally obsolete and won’t run the apps they want. It found that only 2% upgraded when a new model was released, putting paid to the myth that iPhone users have more money than sense [cents].
Research company Gartner, says the smartphone market will no longer grow at the levels reached over the last seven years. Smartphone sales recorded their highest growth in 2010, reaching 73%. The smartphone market has reached more than 90% penetration in the mature markets of North America, Western Europe, Japan and Asia/Pacific, slowing future growth. Users in these regions are not replacing or upgrading their smartphone as often as in previous years.
Empirically Australia has had a love affair with telcos and contracts, meaning a new handset every two years or so. But the advent of quality, feature-packed Android handsets like OPPO’s R7/Plus and now its R9/Plus have helped change the paradigm. Contracts are on the way out in favour of unlocked phones, often with lower cost pre-paid SIM providers.
I spoke to my “sources” at JB Hi-Fi who confirmed that people were overwhelmingly choosing cost over the brand and outright purchase instead of contracts. That is what happens when a “category” becomes commoditised.
I asked about buy-back and trade-in, but the source said that the average consumer did not have easy access to these, and more likely the old handset went to family or a friend or into the bin.
While the PC market was fuelled by Moore’s Law — doubling of power every 18 months — there has been little innovation in glass slabs for some time. While 2016 has seen better cameras, more memory, and larger screens, it is not enough of a WOW factor to shorten the cycle.


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Adani Wilmar is one of India’s leading edible oil companies, and their stock price has been in the news recently. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Adani Wilmar share price and its performance over the past year. It will discuss factors that have contributed to fluctuations in the share price, recent announcements that may affect it, and predictions for the future. Additionally, this article will also explain how investors can utilize Adani Wilmar’s stock in their portfolios.
Adani Wilmar has been making headlines lately, as their share price continues to soar. The company was recently listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in what was hailed by investors as a major success. Adani Wilmar is India’s largest edible oil producer and distributor, operating across multiple states in the country. Their products are also available for sale internationally, giving them a truly global reach.
The company has made significant investments in developing its infrastructure and operations over the past few years, helping them become one of the most successful players in the Indian edible oil market. In addition to this, their strong focus on customer satisfaction and product quality has allowed them to build up an impressive base of loyal customers that continue to patronize their products time and time again.
Background: Energy & Commodities:
The Adani Wilmar Share Price has been in the news recently, generating a lot of interest from investors. Adani Wilmar is an Indian agri-business giant that produces and markets edible oils, food grains, and pulses. The company has operations across eighteen countries and its products are sold in many more. Its share price has seen significant gains lately due to its expansive footprint and diversified portfolio of commodities.
Adani Wilmar is part of the larger Adani Group and draws on resources from the group’s diverse businesses such as energy, ports, logistics, and commodities trading. Its activities span multiple business verticals including oilseeds processing, edible oils refining, specialty fats production and refining, oleo chemicals production, vanaspati manufacturing as well as retailing under multiple brands such as Fortune Oil.
Factors Influencing the Stock Value:
Adani Wilmar is a leading Indian agribusiness company, and its stock price has been steadily increasing over the past few years. But what factors are influencing the stock value of Adani Wilmar? This article will explore several factors that can affect a company’s share price, with a particular focus on Adani Wilmar.
One factor that affects a company’s share price is its financial performance. A good financial report can give investors confidence in the future success of the firm, which may lead to an increase in the stock value. Similarly, when a company reports poor results, it may be indicative of declining revenues and profits – both of which can cause investors to reduce their investments, leading to a decrease in share prices.
In addition to financial performance, investor sentiment also plays an important role in determining a company’s stock values.
Adani Wilmar’s Future Plans:
Adani Wilmar is an Indian multinational food and agribusiness company. Most recently, the company’s share price has been on a steady rise due to the success of its new product lines. With this success, Adani Wilmar is looking to expand their operations into new areas of business and markets in order to maximize their profits.
In the near future, Adani Wilmar plans to leverage its expertise in agri-businesses with investments in infrastructure development such as cold storage warehouses and logistics systems. This will allow them to efficiently manage supply chains across different parts of India as well as abroad. Additionally, they are looking into investing further in food processing technologies that would enable them to develop products that cater to health-conscious customers.
In conclusion, Adani Wilmar remains on a positive trajectory as the company continues to expand its portfolio and make strategic investments. The share price has been resilient amidst the ongoing pandemic, indicating investors’ confidence in the firm’s growth story. Going forward, Adani Wilmar appears well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities and continue delivering strong returns for its shareholders. Investors should keep an eye out for further developments from the firm, particularly with regard to its plans for expansion into new markets. This article is just for informational purposes.


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Following the three-day online event, Messe München Managing Director Falk Senger gave a positive summary: “Participation of more than 70 exhibitors and 1,300 international attendees at LOPEC 2021 demonstrated the importance of a digital meeting point for the industry this year. We are pleased that the online format was so well received. For next year, however, we hope to be able to welcome our exhibitors and visitors back on site in Munich.”
Facts and figures about the online exhibition
In the digital exhibition, 72 exhibitors from 14 countries presented printed electronics solutions and products. Over the three days, 1,300 attendees from 51 countries made use of the offerings of the LOPEC platform.
The exhibitor information is now available in the industry directory free of charge for 365 days. Attendees with a Conference ticket will have access to all presentations until May 9, 2021, both as video on demand and as PDF files for download.
The next LOPEC will take place from March 22 to 24, 2022 in Munich.
Further information and background data can be found at www.lopec.com.
Seiko Instruments at virtual drupa
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Todd Dale Joins BOFA Americas
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The 2021 Jeep Compass facelift will come in a new dark green color and updated cabin
The 2021 Jeep Compass facelift will officially go on sale in India on January 27. The company, which recently unveiled the updated SUV, will announce pricing at launch, with deliveries expected to begin the same day as well. Jeep India has already opened pre-bookings for the new Compass, and we expect the price of the SUV to be between ₹ 15 lakh and ₹ 21 lakh (old showroom, India). At launch, it will face Tata Harriers, MG Hector, Hyundai Tucson and Skoda Karoq.
Also read: 2021 Jeep Compass facelift unveiled in India
The 2021 Jeep Compass comes with a host of visual updates, including a new dark green body color option. The SUV also looks more aggressive than the outgoing model, and it gets a larger seven-slat grille with a chrome finish, sleek new LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned bumper, a fake plate. modified protection, larger air barrier, new fog lights, new 5-spoke alloy rims, new LED taillights and more.
The cabin also received major updates, including a newly designed instrument panel with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, new buttons and knobs for on-board controls, and heavy use of soft-touch materials. Features include – a new 3-spoke steering wheel, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, automatic climate control, 360-degree parking camera, fully digital instrument console and more. The SUV also receives an updated instrument console with FCA’s new Uconnect 5 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also read: FCA to launch four new locally produced Jeep SUVs in India by 2022
In terms of safety technology, the new Jeep Compass will be equipped with seven airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and a host of electronics, including the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BA), Terrain Modes, Hill Assist (HA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), among others. Under the hood, the 2021 Jeep Compass will be offered with the same powertrain package as the current model – the 1.4-liter Multi-air gasoline engine and the 2.0-liter Multi-jet diesel unit. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual, optional 9-speed torque converter, and 7-speed DCT automatic, respectively.
For the latest automotive news and reviews, follow TBEN.com on Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel.


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El Corte Ingles doubles down on sustainability
What: El Corte Inglés completes its supply chain sustainability plan by a new approach to packaging
Why it is important: The company is well advanced in the process and might be showing the way for other IADS members.
El Corte Inglés has set new targets related to their sustainability strategy: all plastic packaging to be removed (both in B2C and B2B) by 2025 in the private label business (a sizeable effort given the number and the size of these businesses), the whole supply chain has until 2030 to be using only renewable energy, which goes for instance through the use of vehicles using alternative fuel, concentrating a maximum of deliveries in the same go, and the review of all third party suppliers.
This is part of the Residuo Cero plan, launched in 2019, which initially looked after the supply chain in all logistic platforms, and which is now extending to the packaging.


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If youre looking for some great science fiction, westerns or mysteries to get you through the winter, book sorters have been piling them high for the Flower Memorial Librarys 35th annual book sale, which kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday at the library, 229 Washington St.
But if youre more into crime fiction or romantic novels, there are boxes full of books by Robert Parker and Nora Roberts. And, for action lovers, there is a whole series of Indiana Jones books that continue the popular adventures.
The book sale, sponsored by Friends of Flower Memorial Library, runs during regular library hours.
For the second time, people can shop on a Sunday because the library is open from noon to 5 p.m., said Friends member Glenn Gough, promotions coordinator for the sale.
Books are $1 for hardcovers and 50 cents for paperbacks. Premium books, many of the coffee table variety, cost more but are still greatly discounted.
The bag sale, at which patrons can fill a bag full of books and buy it for a buck, begins a week later, on Saturday, Nov. 2, and runs through Monday, Nov. 4.
Again this year, the library will feature a Book Sale Preview Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at which Friends members may each purchase up to 50 books or other materials, including CDs, DVDs, magazines, childrens books, cookbooks and first-edition local history books.
Book lovers can sign up for memberships that evening as they enter the side door of the library for the preview event. Membership prices are $15 for patrons and $10 for seniors.
Friends volunteers have been busy sorting through cartons of donated books and other materials for this years sale, according to Susan M. Johnson, chairwoman of the book sale.
We had mountains of books, she said. Weve been working since the Thursday after Labor Day.
She noted that there are some exceptionally nice paperbacks which dedicated volunteers have carefully organized in many categories, such as self-help, military, romance and science fiction.
The sale is the Friends of the Librarys annual community fundraiser and is used to fund the librarys fiction collection.
Last year, the sale raised $11,625, Mrs. Johnson said. Approximately $10,000 is set aside yearly to buy new fiction and the rest of the money is used to decorate the building with holiday wreaths in December and to buy other items on the librarys wish list.


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Deep Silver has finally given us another look at Homefront: The Revolution at this year’s Gamescom expo.
Featured below, a new “Thank You” trailer was shown alongside two bits of gameplay, and some new screenshots.
Homefront: The Revolution is a sequel to Homefront, taking place four years after the Korean invasion and occupation of the United States. The story is centered on the protagonist Ethan Brady, as he leads a resistance in the birthplace of freedom here in America, the city of Philadelphia.
You can find the new videos below:
Red Zone Gameplay
Thank You Trailer
Gamescom 2015 Gameplay
Lastly, Deep Silver confirmed a spring 2016 release window for Homefront: The Revolution across PC, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.
Editor’s Note: We’ve decided to start covering Homefront: The Revolution moving forward. Expect more news from us for the game as we near its release!


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Extreme Networks is contending for greater influence from the data center to the network edge, but it has some obstacles to overcome.
The company is still grappling with how to best integrate, use and effectively sell the technologies it has acquired from Avaya and Brocade in the past year, as well as incorporate and develop its own products to do battle in the cloud, mobile and edge computing environments of the future. Remember, too, that Extreme bought wireless player Zebra Technologies in 2016 for $55 million.
In terms of results that Wall Street watches, Extreme Networks grew revenue 76% to $262 million in its recent fiscal third quarter. According to Extreme, those gains were fueled mostly by growth from its acquisitions and around an 8% growth in its own products.


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Crafty entrepreneur brings traditional skills out of the woods
It’s a thing of beauty, sustainable and brings Herefordshire’s forgotten traditional crafts back to the fore.
The Woodee Media has a handle and head made from seasoned Herefordshire oak, a soft leather strap cut from the hide of a Hereford bull and tanned by the only cow skin tanner in the country, who can claim that the whole process is 100 per cent British.
To top it all it comes with a hand-forged nail to hang it on made by students at Herefordshire’s National School of Blacksmithing, the oldest and biggest smithing school in the world.
The fireside tool has been designed by entrepreneurial mum-of-four Louise Wright, from Dorstone, Herefordshire and saves her burning her fingers when she opens the door of her wood burner.
She came up with the idea with her husband, Andrew, whose background in traditional and heritage roofing made wood a natural choice.
He made endless wooden prototypes before finally, aided by David Malone at his Traditional Joinery workshop in Hereford, they settled on a design which can be made with three different heads to fit the doors of most wood burners.
Through it Louise is hoping to champion Herefordshire’s craft heroes.
“I love traditional craft and that’s what I’d like to bring to people. Herefordshire has a lot of unsung traditional crafts and many are dying out,” said Louise.
The wood is seasoned oak from Will Bullough’s sawmill at Whitney-on-Wye, sourced from woodlands in Herefordshire.
The Woodee fits in with Will’s business ethos to sell local materials to local businesses and he says the object is a “splendid idea.”
“It’s all about local economy. Selling local wood means the woodlands get managed and if they get managed properly the timber sold out of them provides the owners with an income and there are environmental advantages too.
“We consider it very important that woodlands are not neglected and if they are to produce the goods there needs to be a market for products.
“There are only a minute number of local sawmills left in the country, so they are very important to the whole woodland world.
“We see ourselves as doing something useful and trying to keep rural employment.” Will has his own woodland too, behind the sawmill, where he is filling any gaps with hardwoods native to Herefordshire, which he hopes in another 80 years, when they are around 120 years old, will be used to make local products like Louise’s.
The seasoned oak is cut to shape by traditional joiner, David Malone, at his workshop in Rotherwas, Hereford.
The oak is a joy for David to work with and he can spend the best part of an hour making one Woodee, and that’s if he has a batch to produce.
That’s why, he says, traditional joinery is a dying craft. However there’s no substitute for a hand tooled piece and with a rub down with sandpaper to finish The Woodee off, David feels satisfied he’s produced an object of beauty that does the job too.
“Anything made of oak is good and Louise’s brand is good. It does the trick and is certainly easier than grabbing a glove,” he said.
To make sure it’s to hand. Louise has asked third year blacksmithing students at the National School of Blacksmithing at Herefordshire and Ludlow College’s Holme Lacy campus to produce hand forged hooks and nails to hang it on.
Because, it’s thanks to the school, founded in 1946, that blacksmithing, a 4,000-year-old craft, is once more an abundant skill.
Tutor, Steven Mitchell, said the art was dying in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but is now “thriving on all continents.”
He added: “There’s a blacksmithing industry in the UK now mainly because of the number of blacksmiths we have turned out.
“We are the oldest and biggest school in the world. We have 120 students at any one time, plus apprentices and run short courses and professional development courses.” Contemporary commissions like Louise’s are keeping the industry, and others, turning over. “I think she’s absolutely got it right. Her enthusiasm is infectious. She’s got a great little product there,” said Steven.
And to hang it on the nail, Louise didn’t miss the chance to bring in another county craft and material; leather.
It can take Hayley Hanson, of Hayley Hanson Hide, around six months to tan a bull skin. And it was, fittingly, the hide of a Hereford bull from a farm at Withington, Herefordshire, that the straps for the Woodee were cut from.
Hayley also tans hides from the family herd of British Blue and cross bred Hereford and Angus cows at Eardisland.
She seems to be the only tanner left in Britain to carry out the entire lengthy process herself.
So she has a lot of admiration for what Louise has done. “The story behind it is part of it and no one else seems to be doing anything like it,” said Hayley.
She added: “I think if traditional crafts were there they would be used much more, but production in the UK seems to be horrendously expensive and is shipped out of the country. “You don’t often see a product that’s properly hand-made like this. The hours that have gone into it are unbelievable just to get every last thing just so.” The Woodee logo is lasered on to the stitched strap and wooden head before Louise gives it a loving rub down with Danish oil.
And to launch such a precious new item Louise has been selected to take a stand at the Country Living Pop-Up Market on March 18 at the Business Design Centre in Islington. After entering the magazine’s Table Talent competition, Louise received a congratulatory email from deputy features editor, Anna Jury, who wrote: “Despite receiving a fantastic number of impressive entries, we felt that your business really stood out due to its professionalism, innovative idea and Country Living feel.” Louise was delighted. “I can see The Woodee in the home of every Country Living reader with a wood burner. They love style, bespoke pieces and good old fashioned quality. I can’t wait.”
Woodees start at £49. To order one or for more information visit www.thewoodee.com and www.countrylivingfair.com.


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In a press conference at lunchtime on day one of the World Retail Congress in Paris, MasterCard and The Fletcher School at Tufts University announced the launch of a new initiative that the two have collaborated on - the
Digital Evolution Index.
The launch chimed nicely with an earlier interview that Anne Cairns, President, International Markets at MasterCard had given as part of the opening plenary session, entitled ‘The Future Is Now, Are You Ready?’ In the press conference, lead researcher Bhaskar
Chakravorti, Senior Associate Dean of International Business and Finance at Fletcher School, pointed out that the future is here, as people have information wherever they are, be it France or Bangladesh. However, he was keen to point to the fact that there
are a number of factors that prevent ‘the future’ being evenly distributed around the world. Chakravorti noted that many of these factors on digital evolution do not necessarily attract much focus in the retail world, such as the effect of political institutions,
rule of law, the regulatory environment or the menace of cyber crime.
This uneven distribution was a catalyst for the research project that eventually became the Digital Evolution Index. The team selected 50 countries to study, 25 from the developed world and 25 from emerging markets. Ted Iacobuzio, Vice President, Global
Insights at MasterCard, explained that the study had identified four interdependent drivers - supply, demand, institutions and innovation - that can be used to define each country’s digital evolution and can serve as strategic evaluation points for future
growth. Iacobuzio was keen to stress that the innovation piece doesn’t merely refer to the penetration of technology, although of course that plays a part, but also to areas such as venture capital investment, for example.
Looking at the 50 countries through the prism of these four drivers, Iacobuzio outlined how retailers could very quickly see how their domestic market could have more in common with markets on the other side of the globe than those of their neighbours. Anne
Cairns noted that it is important for retailers to think about these corridors, and how pairs of countries match up, when developing business strategy.
Iacobuzio then demonstrated a heatmap, which he described as being the heart of the Index. This doesn’t just show which countries were first to digitally evolve. Rather, the study analysed each country’s evolution from 2008 to 2013 to understand country
benchmarks, track progress and identify areas for improvement. The countries were grouped into the following four trajectory zones on the heatmap:
- Break Out. This describes countries that currently have low readiness scores, but are rapidly evolving. Iacobuzio pointed out countries such as Brazil, India, China and Vietnam are grouped here. If their evolution rates sustain, these countries will emerge
as strong digital economies.
- Stall Out. Most of the countries in this trajectory are the traditional Western nations, with the notable exception of the US. While they have a history of strong growth, they have reached maturity. To continue the digital evolution, Iacobuzio noted that
countries in this category need to seek markets beyond domestic borders and demonstrate innovation if they are to continue to grow.
- Stand Out. Countries in this quadrant are maintaining high levels of digital transactions, aided by sophisticated domestic consumers and state of the art infrastructure. This is where we find countries including the US, Singapore and Hong Kong, all of
whom must continue to fast-track innovation to remain in the Stand Out zone.
- Watch Out. If a country is in the Watch Out trajectory, it faces digital evolution challenges. Russia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, and Kenya are examples of countries on this trajectory. However, Iacobuzio noted that countries in this space have a combined
population of 2.5 billion people, and therefore represent significant opportunities for investment.
Looking at the heatmap of the Digital Evolution Index, Cairns said that she particularly excited about Latin American countries, as so many have a high level of personal consumption expenditure (PCE) and mobile usage.
Iacobuzio also noted that as technology continues to evolve, for example through areas such as biometrics, the Digital Evolution Index could change accordingly. It is a roadmap for retailers to see how the digital world is distributed, as well as see where
countries have come from and what trajectory they are on. To explore the Digital Evolution Index, visit the


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A Wyoming student was fined for eating a doughnut in a grocery store and then leaving it without paying for the item.
Wyoming is cracking down on students who think they can eat dessert items in stores without paying by slapping a fine big enough for them to learn their lesson.
One person is particular, 19-year-old Zach O’Dell, was charged back in late November and has now agreed to pay the $200 fine along with a $10 court cost and additional $0.79 for the doughnut he forgot to pay for. The incident happened at Blair’s Market, cost of the doughnut, the Northwest Trail reports.
Criminal defense attorney Sandra Kitchen says that the charges would be dismissed if O’Dell stay out of legal trouble for the next six months, getting the prosecution to defer the charges.
Ironically, O’dell is a student at Northwest college were he is studying criminal justice. O’Dell refused to comment on the issue.
A report detailing the loss to shoplifting in the US, amounts to .06% percent of retail inventory disappearing. In the report it was found out that US retailers lose a collective $25 million dollars a day on average to shoplifting. The study also indicated that it was believed that over half of the theft was from the retailers own employees.
The level of charges and consequences vary from levels of minor to major, considering the net worth of the merchandise trying to be stolen.


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What's that you say? A faint glimmer of hope on the horizon for Vonage? Surely you jest! But that unlikely-as-it-seems scenario appears to be just the case, with Vonage following up recent Q1 financial results of shrinking losses ($72.3 million, as opposed to $85.2 million last year) and growing sales ($195.9 million, up 64 percent) with news of a heretofore-thought-impossible technology solution to its patent woes. "We will begin rolling these workarounds out shortly, hopefully in the next few weeks, and we believe they will work," says CEO Jeffrey Citron. Analysts point out that Vonage isn't making any promises, and the company is far from out of the woods, but we're guessing Vonage wouldn't be bragging about something like this in the midst of appealing the Verizon patent suit if there wasn't some truth to it. The update will apparently be low-cost, just involving software downloads.
Verizon owns Engadget's parent company, Verizon Media. Rest assured, Verizon has no control over our coverage. Engadget remains editorially independent.
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By Jeffrey Matulef
Limbo developer Playdead's next game will be a 2.5D platformer in full color.
Codenamed "Project 2," the game will be "the story of one boy's struggle against evil forces through questionable experiments on human bodies, trying to take over the world," according to the posting.
The grant is for £1,000,000 ($1,553,300).
Though the game will have 3D graphics, it will all transpire across a 2D plane. While little is known how it will play, the listing categorizes it as a "Puzzle Platform/Adventure." It also lists intended platforms as PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac.
I wouldn't expect this follow-up to come anytime soon, though. Last summer Playdead CEO Dino Patti said in an interview with Edge, "I think the new production will take at least three and a half years." That places its release sometime in 2014. Until then, feast your eyes on this disturbing piece of concept art.


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Dear Editor: I am writing out of frustration and concern regarding the recent proposals to further restrict short-term rentals in Ouray County. While I wholeheartedly support the idea of fair and balanced regulations for our communities, I believe it is essential to view STRs as an opportunity rather than a problem. Instead of clamping down on them, we should be exploring ways to support local small businesses, foster growth, and nurture the thriving economy that depends on tourism throughout the year.
October 25, 2023
County should see rentals as opportunity


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By Siddharth Cavale
(Reuters) -Unilever Plc warned on Thursday that surging commodity costs would squeeze its full-year operating margin, overshadowing strong second-quarter sales growth fuelled by the easing of pandemic-related curbs in many of its markets.
Underlying sales for the maker of Dove soap rose 5% in the three months ended June 30, above 4.8% forecast by analysts.
It maintained its 3-5% sales growth forecast for the year, but rising prices of everything from crude to palm and soybean oil made the company cut its operating margin outlook to "about flat" from "slightly up" earlier and flag greater uncertainty surrounding that forecast.
The warning dragged shares of the FTSE 100-listed company down 6.2% by 1345 GMT, wiping off nearly 7 billion pounds ($9.65 billion)of its market value, and making it the top loser on the index on Thursday.
Finance chief Graeme Pitkethly said he expected cost inflation to be in the high-teens in the second half, above the mid-teens rise anticipated earlier.
He said that since the company issued its guidance in the first quarter, crude oil prices had risen 12%, soy bean oil 21%; while freight and transportation costs had risen and 4% and 7%, respectively.
Unilever said that besides accelerating price hikes, it was introducing pack changes and narrowing promotions in the second half in response to rising costs.
The company raised prices by 1.6% in second quarter. In June those were up to 2.2%
"It is that eternal triangle of the competitiveness of our growth, .... landing the pricing and managing the cost inflation," Pitkethly said.
Chief Executive Alan Jope said the lag between the impact of commodity costs and the benefits of increased product prices had created "a higher than normal range of likely year end margin outcomes."
Investec analyst Alicia Forry called the message on costs slightly disappointing.
"They had been confident of passing through cost inflation at the first quarter stage...now they change their tune."
Half-year sales rose 5.4%, a touch above the 5.3% forecast, propelled by 8.1% growth in its Foods and Refreshment division, as living restrictions began to ease in many markets.
In Europe, sales of ice cream eaten out of home grew at double-digits, boosted by markets like Italy where its new Magnum lines honoring Dante - Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso - sold well. Sales of teas also saw strong volume growth.
Jope also said the company was "fully committed to staying in Israel" after the company was embroiled in a controversy earlier this week over its U.S. subsidiary Ben & Jerry's move to end ice cream sales in occupied Palestinian territories that has caused a backlash against the brand in Israel.
Unilever also said it had completed the review of its tea business, and anticipates either an initial public offering, sale or partnership as a final outcome of the separation.
($1 = 0.8476 euros)
($1 = 0.7276 pounds)
($1 = 0.7257 pounds)
(Reporting by Siddharth Cavale and Indranil Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Keith Weir)


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Gavin Grant, chief executive of the RSPCA has promised that in coming months the RSPCA will set about trying to ban some of the ‘disgraceful’ slaughtering practices around Halal meat. We are concerned that a high profile RSPCA campaign, revolving around political prosecutions of people who cannot afford to defend themselves, or of minority groups, will do little to improve the lives or deaths of animals but will undoubtedly fuel intolerance and discrimination.
What are the facts behind the issue?
In June 2009 the EU passed a law recognising the validity of religious slaughter. Abbatoirs in the EU must stun all animals prior to slaughter unless they are being ritually killed for religious purposes.
The EU is considering legislation that would require Halal and Kosher meat products to carry a label stating that the animal was not stunned prior to slaughter. Both Jewish and Muslim groups oppose the proposal. They claim that it is discriminatory and challenge claims that their methods of slaughter are inhumane.
Last year Professor Bill Reilly, former president of the British Veterinary Association criticised the “unnaceptable” rise in the number of animals killed in ritual slaughter.
Writing in the Veterinary Record Professor Reilly said that if we cannot eliminate non-stunning we need to keep it to a minimum. He suggests that meat slaughtered for religious reasons should be restricted to those communities only and that where possible attempts shoud be made to convince them of the acceptability of the stunned alternatives.
Under both Jewish and Islamic law animals must be healthy and uninjured at the time of death which is why they rule out pre-stunning, although some Muslim authorities accept some forms of pre-stunning providing they do not kill the animal. Both faiths dispute claims of cruelty and believe that their method of one swift cut is kinder than other methods because the animal swiftly loses consciousness, bleeding to death.
At the time the statistics were collated Muslims made up only 3% of the UK population but it was estimated that Halal meat provided 25% of the meat market. Around 20% of halal meat in the UK is from animals slaughtered with no form of stunning. The remainder is from animals subjected to a method called ‘stun to stun’ which uses a much lower amperage than that recommended for an effective stun. The Halal Food Authority have admitted that this method ensures that animals are “conscious” when killed. Strangely the House of Commons Library Post Note on Religious Slaughter makes no mention of stun-to-stun.
Although Kosher slaughtered meat is a very small fraction of the total, it is estimated that 70% of Kosher meat enters the mainstream meat market.
This meat enters the general market because some parts of the animal are forbidden under the dietary laws and it is the wrong cut of meat. It is claimed that if the meat that is rejected is not allowed to enter the general food chain the religious slaughter operations will become less economically viable.
Public anger has focussed on the fact that there is no way for consumers to know how the food they are eating was slaughtered, whether it is meat bought from the supermarket, ready meals, or food provided by schools, places of work or restaurants.
Even MPs have been unknowingly served Halal meat in House of Commons restaurants, much to their annoyance. In contrast, just over a year later, Muslim MPs and Peers were told that they could not have Halal meat in the Palace of Westminster restaurants, despite having previously been assured that meat they were served was Halal, because it is offensive to many of their non-Muslim colleagues.
The government has claimed that there are practical difficuties in tracing where meat has come from in order to label the method of slaughter accurately. Consumers might wonder how disease outbreaks will be tracked back to source if this proves to be the case.
In a consultation on changes in animal slaughter legislation the Scottish Government admitted that the placing of non-stunned meat slaughtered in the UK into the general food chain has been illegal since 1995. They too claimed that the problem was one of traceability.
There are also difficulties in ascertaining the actual numbers of animals slaughtered, whether they are pre-stunned and if so, by what method.
For instance the EU Dialrel Project Data indicates that no poultry were slaughtered for Halal production without stunning but the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC), told The Muslim News that “Poultry certified by HMC is done without stunning. HMC does not actually certify any abattoir as such, HMC certifies the poultry product that has been witnessed and labelled by the HMC inspectors on site at the time of slaughter.”
Where is the RSPCA in this debate?
Their current information sheet states that “Around 90% of Halal slaughter involves pre-stunning” but fails to mention that stun-to-stun is far less effective than normal stunning methods.
It states that less than 50% of meat slaughtered by Jewish methods is sold in Kosher shops, but fails to point out that this is a fraction of the amount of meat slaughtered by Halal methods.
They propose that religious groups should review their methods of slaughter and they support the proposed labelling of products to enable consumers to choose whether they want to buy meat from animals slaughtered without pre-stunning.
The RSPCA information sheet makes no mention of the illegality of meat from animals slaughtered under the religious exemptions being placed in the general food chain. They have brought no legal challenges to the failure of government to enforce the law.
Perhaps this would have been a better and more “reasonable and effective use of the charity’s resources” than their widely criticised prosecution of the Heythrop hunt.


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Study: Samsung and LG lead handset recovery
New data published today by Strategy Analytics reveals that global mobile phone shipments in the second-quarter declined 8 percent compared to a year ago, but showed "tentative signs of stabilisation."
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PALLITE® Group has been honoured with the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation 2023. The company was one of only 148 organisations in the UK to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, on Friday 21st April.
Employing 70 people, Wellingborough, Northants-based PALLITE® was set up in 2008 and manufactures sustainable products for warehouse storage, logistics, protective packaging and void fill from honeycomb paper cardboard.
Previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the new name reflects Charles’ desire to continue to recognise outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, is one of the most prestigious business awards in the country, with successful businesses able to use the emblem to promote their products and services as the best in their business sector for a five year period.
Easy to install
“To receive this award is an incredible honour and a real reflection of the hard work the entire team has invested. PALLITE® was setup on the premise of a simple paper pallet, a sustainable alternative to the more traditional pallets on the market. Innovation has always been a key driver for the business, developing new product solutions for existing applications using our honeycomb paper cardboard. Our current product range includes protective packaging, shipping crates, pallets and most recently, our award-winning PIX® warehouse storage solutions,” said David Rose, European Sales Director.
“We provide easy to install storage units for large ecommerce fulfilment centres allowing them the flexibility to adjust the size and quantity of storage compartments relative to fluctuations in stock. All our PIX® units are constructed using the same honeycomb paper cardboard. One unit can be built in a matter of minutes with anything from 3 up to 400 picking compartments. We’ve seen such incredible interest and uptake in PIX® both nationally and internationally, requiring us to open our doors in 2022 on an additional manufacturing facility in Milwaukee, to meet the USA and Canadian demand. We have orders from across Europe all the way to Australia,” he added.


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Michelob Ultra’s latest push to portray itself as post-workout beer involves putting Jimmy Fallon and John Cena in a Super Bowl ad.
The pro wrestler urges Fallon, the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” to let go of his hatred of working out by seeing the “lighter side” of it in the 60-second spot from FCB, which was released today. The conversation, held at a bar while Fallon is drinking an Ultra, is followed by a scene showing Fallon running around the track with encouragement from Usain Bolt and “The Tonight Show” house band, The Roots. Pro golfer Brooks Keopka, and beach volleyball stars Kerri Walsh Jennings and Brooke Sweat, also make cameos in the ad.
The spot continues the low-calorie beer’s longtime positioning as a fitness-oriented brew—a message that has helped spur Ultra to several years of strong sales growth. The Super Bowl ad is “all about persuading people who may not believe today that fitness and fun go together, that fitness and Michelob Ultra absolutely go together,” says Azania Andrews, VP of marketing for the Anheuser-Busch InBev-owned brew.
Ultra is also running a Super Bowl ad for its Pure Gold organic beer variety that plugs a new program in which the brand pledges to help farmers transition to organic crops.
The Fallon spot goes for laughs by playing into Fallon’s workout dread, which he has documented on social media. “For this commercial, Michelob ULTRA was looking to cast someone who hates working out and loves drinking beer," Fallon states in a press release about the ad. "Luckily for me, when you Google that my name is the first thing that pops up."
Of course, Googling Fallon’s name might also yield press reports about him having drinking issues, which he has denied. In 2016, The New York Post citing anonymous sources reported that Fallon was “warned to cut back on his boozing by NBC chiefs following a series of bizarre late-night accidents.” Fallon responded to those allegations as part of a lengthy profile in The New York Times in 2017, saying, “I could never do a day-to-day job if I was drinking every night.”
By appearing in a beer ad he risks reigniting conversations about the topic. Fallon, through a representative, declined comment on the matter. An Anheuser-Busch InBev representative said in a statement: “As with all talent we work with, we took appropriate steps to ensure Jimmy would be the right partner for our brand.”


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Maybe he thought the rest of the world wouldn’t be listening, but when McDonald’s senior director of culinary innovation, Chef Daniel Coudreaut visited Cleveland this week to assist in the unveiling McDonald’s new banana nut oatmeal with fresh blueberries, he clearly stepped in it (by “it” we mean the pink goo they were using for their chicken nuggets.)
Let us say first that context is always important, and it’s possible this quote was pulled out of a very long explanation within which the following statement might not have seemed so brazenly deluded. But in defense of the McDonald’s menu, Coudreaut really did say:
“I don’t see anything on the menu that’s unhealthy.”
We’d love to hear about his definition of “unhealthy” foods. Bath salts, maybe?
Chef Coudreaut explained that he and his children eat at McDonald’s once a week or so, and added America’s number one fast food joint wasn’t the only restaurant to serve fattening food. “I’m sure I could eat a 2,000 calorie meal at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry,” he is quoted as saying in the Akron Beacon Journal.
But we’ll hand it to the guy. As much as McDonald’s has made unhealthy food extremely cheap and accessible, blaming one chain for a national problem is the easy way out. Coudreaut rightly said, “I feel that if we were to close our doors of all of the McDonald’s tomorrow, the obesity problem would not go away.”
Because our other perennial favorites, Wendy’s, Burger King and Dominos aren’t that far behind. And then there’s this, this and that, too.


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Warner Brothers have announced that it is launching a new streaming service called Max, this is the new name for HBO Max and also for Discovery, and it will offer a wide range of content.
The new Max streaming service is launching on the 23rd of May and you can see a promo video for this new streaming service below, it will have a wide range of HBO, Warner Bros, Max Originals, DC Universe content, and more.
Warner Bros. Discovery (Nasdaq: WBD) today introduced Max, its enhanced streaming service, which will launch in the U.S. on May 23. Max is the destination for HBO Originals, Warner Bros. films, Max Originals, the DC universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an expansive offering of kids content, and best-in-class programming across food, home, reality, lifestyle and documentaries from leading brands like HGTV, Food Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and more. Max will stand out amongst streamers by uniquely combining unrivaled breadth and superior quality with iconic franchises and strong product experience, all for great value.
Introducing Max – the one to watch for every mood and every moment.
The event included a sneak peek at the launch campaign for Max, which kicks off tomorrow and celebrates the different moods, fandoms and genres that represent Max viewers. The campaign will invite new subscribers to experience Max’s improved product experience and expanded content for everyone in the household.
You can find out more information about the new Warner Bros Max streaming service over at their website at the link below, this new service will be available next month.
Source Warner Bros
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Trade or wholesaler magazine can help your business identify wholesale suppliers. They advertise a wide range of products while providing statistical information on market trends. Furthermore, some publications even compare wholesale prices.
Networking with local competitors can also provide invaluable information regarding product availability and pricing. Look out for industry groups or chambers of commerce in your region for networking opportunities.
PVF Hall of Fame Awards
The PVF Roundtable recently unveiled the winners of its 2018 Hall of Fame awards, an initiative intended to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to the pipe, valve and fitting industries. Nominations and reviews conducted through Supply House Times as well as industry stakeholders determine inductees into this esteemed club.
AD PVF affiliate member Puget Sound Pipe & Supply was featured in The Wholesaler magazine to commemorate their recent induction into the PVF Hall of Fame. Established in 1912 and still family-run today, their legacy lives on through new leadership at this company founded nearly 110 years ago.
Puget Sound prides itself on their long history in the industry as well as their dedication to customer service and innovation. This article showcased their special approach of building relationships with customers while meeting their specific needs through tailored solutions.
The Passenger Vessel Foundation (PVF) recently reached the $100K fundraising mark. As a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to fostering professionalism and opportunity within maritime industries by awarding scholarship grants for education; marine crew training; research; as well as programs that improve safety on U.S. domestic passenger vessels, this non-profit charitable foundation is now well on its way toward its goal.
The PVF Roundtable’s Annual Golf Tournament took place this month in Sugarland, Texas and raised money for their Scholarship fund – which provides scholarships for students enrolled in industrial distribution/engineering departments at both Texas A&M University and University of Houston. Texas Pipe & Supply generously sponsored two foursome teams at this year’s tournament!
PVF Industry News
This report offers a thorough examination of the Polyvinyl Fluoride(PVF) market, covering trends and opportunities across its global regions. It highlights key market drivers as well as effective strategies to mitigate risk and achieve sustained growth within an increasingly competitive business environment. Furthermore, this analysis details forecasted demand for Polyvinyl Fluoride(PVF).
Industrial spending on PVF projects could rebound after two consecutive years of decline, according to a new forecast from Christopher Mason of NIBCO’s supply chain services division. Mason expects this increase is driven by data centers and telecom facilities expansion; semiconductor manufacturing expansion; electric vehicle production; health care facility construction projects with long construction cycles and other industries with similar long-term needs; labor availability issues as well as rising energy costs likely leading to greater interest in sustainable, energy-efficient system designs that facilitate future serviceability of products containing push connections that facilitate future serviceability of products with push connections that enable future serviceability of future serviceability of future serviceability of future maintenance contracts.
ASA recently honored distributors who demonstrated leadership and commitment to employee safety within their organizations and communities with its 2019 ASA Safety Awards, selected based on OSHA lost work data for 2019 by its Safety Committee. Repeat winners included NIBCO and Anvil; both received this honor at last year’s Elevate2019 in Savannah as well as during NETWORK2020 Virtual event ceremonies.
PVF Industry Trends
Recent trends within the PVF industry are having an effect on its market, including an increasing use of press and push connections in fittings as well as an increase in sustainable, energy-efficient systems. Mason notes the necessity for the industry to address labor shortages as a major hurdle going forward.
He foresees that companies will continue investing in multifunctional products, like push-to-connect technology that facilitates faster and safer installation, as well as solutions designed to minimize maintenance. Finally, companies may work to meet customer demand for reduced costs and increased productivity by developing solutions with reduced maintenance requirements.
Fuel price fluctuations and energy cost changes could wreak havoc with PVF distributors’ profitability, leading them to focus on supply chain efficiency to lower operating expenses and increase margins.
Armstrong believes the next generation of engineers and tradesmen are crucial to the industry, and points to PVF Roundtable’s “Stock the Pantry” fund as one means of supporting schools that offer trade-related programs. He emphasizes the need to promote the industry so as to attract young people – something he plans on discussing at Valve World Americas Expo & Conference this October.
PVF Industry Updates
As the global economy continues to advance, demand for PVDF and PVF films continues to skyrocket. These materials are well known for their versatile applications, resistance to harsh environments, and exceptional properties; all which play key roles in chemical processing industries – with further innovation anticipated driving future expansion.
Mason noted other trends influencing the PVF industry such as sustainable and energy-efficient system designs as well as products combining multiple features into a single solution. Companies are also increasingly adopting press and push connection technologies in their fittings and valves which reduce installation times and costs significantly.
Climate change has a substantial impact on the industry. Rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events have necessitated infrastructure upgrades to better withstand these conditions, prompting an increase in demand for PVF products that provide corrosion resistance and can withstand greater temperature variations.
Other potential drivers for future growth in the PVF industry could include:
- Rising price pressures from inflation,
- Raw material and
- Freight price increases and global trade tension.
Legend also notes the difficulty associated with finding qualified workers and an inadequate investment in vocational/technical schools to promote the industry; but notes that the PVF Roundtable has worked with schools to provide scholarships to encourage them into these professions.


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Leading luxury real estate developer DAMAC Properties has announced that the company is stepping up to serve the digital economy by facilitating the conversion to fiat, and the sale of property to holders of Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to a company's press release, the decision comes from the DAMAC Group’s vision of leveraging technology to provide innovative solutions to evolved customers.
Being one of the first developers to facilitate the purchase of property by customers carrying cryptocurrency, DAMAC is set to revolutionise the future of real estate. This will bolster DAMAC’s efforts of providing convenience and optionality to real estate investors worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion – Ali Sajwani, General Manager of Operations at DAMAC and lead of the organisation’s digital transformation initiatives, said:
DAMAC Properties has always been at the forefront of innovations from developing luxury homes to creating unique experiences. This move towards customers holding cryptocurrency is one of our initiatives at DAMAC to accelerate the new economy for newer generations, and for the future of our industry.